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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Mark D. Weber, PhD¹, Shari Mills, PhD¹, and Paul Simon, MD, MPH². (1) Tobacco Control & Prevention Program, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, 3530 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 800, Los Angeles, CA 90010, 213-351-7810, mweber@ladhs.org, (2) Office of Health Assessment and Epidemiology, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, 313 N. Figueroa, Room 127, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Pioneering tobacco control efforts in California spearheaded by state and local campaigns resulted in dramatic overall reductions in smoking prevalence. This study examines adult smoking trends by socio-demographic characteristics to identify population segments not fully benefiting from these efforts and therefore requiring additional attention. Data were combined (n=32,386) from four roughly biennial population-based random-digit-dial telephone health surveys conducted between 1997 and 2005 among Los Angeles County residents. Separate logistic regression models were conducted for female and male African-Americans, Asians, Latinos, and Whites. Current cigarette smoking was the outcome variable and time (four survey time-points) was the primary independent variable, with age, education, and federal poverty level (FPL) included as covariates. Statistically significant decreasing trends in smoking were found for female and male Latinos and Whites. No significant decreasing (or increasing) smoking trends were observed for male African-Americans or Asians. Among African-American females, a significant interaction was found between time and FPL: smoking declined from 19% in 1997 to 12% in 2005 for those above 200% FPL but increased from 23% to 35% for those below 100% FPL. Among Asian females, a significant interaction was found between time and education: smoking declined from 17% to 5% for those with some college or trade school but increased from 3% to 8% for those with college or graduate degrees. Findings indicate that culturally relevant smoking prevention interventions focusing on African-Americans and Asians are needed. Ideally, the intervention strategies should consider the socio-demographic characteristics of the targeted populations.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to identify socio-demographic populations with increasing trends in smoking.

Keywords: Tobacco Control, Smoking

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered